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I am thinking about getting x3 but not sure 28i or 35i. I 'd like to see what you guys think.

Your question will be my question for my next X3 in two years when the lease expires. My 2011 X3 28i has a 6 cyl engine, and I really like it. Although the exhaust sound is not loud, I like the low tone from the 6 cyl. This is not a good enough reason for selection of X3 35i. I hope I will change my feeling on this.

We test drove the 2.8 and really liked it. Acceleration was very good. That sad, if you don't mind spending a bit more, get the 3.5, and save yourself the "but I could have". Me? I like the 3.5 M-Sport Package.

Thanks for all the suggestions and comments. I test drove both 28i and 35i yesterday and found the 35i with more power and smoothness. But of course, the price is way higher than my budget. The 28i is also a great car and the price is reasonable to me. I m planning to schedule another test drive before I make my decision.

We just ordered a 35i. The price difference between a comparable 28i and 35i was about $3K, still a lot of money, but as Leewtech said, the power to weight ratio with the 35i was significant to me. I figure, add 4 passengers, luggage at times, and the 35i will not work as hard. Just my opinion.

the specs - Alpine while, Sand beige interior, premium and tech pkg. Hopefully, we'll get the new toy by EOY

So far I have seen several 28i and 35i and the price difference between $6k to $8k. I 'd get 35i as well if I can find one about $3k difference. I am living in Las Vegas and I heard that we could get the car for better price in CA areas. I may try to look around in Southern CA.

I got 9% off MSRP plus college grad discount buying in stock X3 28i. Originally I was aiming for 7% to 8% off MSRP plus college grad for custom order. I think the deal I got was awesome. Most dealers I spoke to in southern california agreed with 6% off.

We own the 28i --- and in Sport it's fun. BUT the downside, at startup and idle, and even some low end acceleration- you can clearly hear the 4 cyl vs. the 6 cyl...and it just sounds like you've been HAD by BMW. Doesn't sound like a BMW should.

Sounds aside, wish we'd gone with the 35i - the instant power, not having to search for it - and the sheer "fun" of driving a BMW. We got it 5/25 as a 2013 model - already want to trade it in; and we got it fully loaded too.

Sounds aside, wish we'd gone with the 35i - the instant power, not having to search for it - and the sheer "fun" of driving a BMW. We got it 5/25 as a 2013 model - already want to trade it in; and we got it fully loaded too.

23-24.5MPG/tank..which isn't bad...but I figure it'd be around the same with the 35i?

Wow, everyone is touting the 4-banger as being the fuel miser. My 35i is averaging 26.1 with 3K miles on the clock. Which is about 60% highway and 40% around town and mostly in Sport mode.....I am not kidding.

I have a feeling the 28i is working a bit harder lugging the weight around.

Quote:

Budget - our 28i came out to around $53K

Is that the MSRP number? Again, hope so, since my loaded 35i, M-Sport, all the goodies was less than that out the door.

got a couple grand off, as it was an order and the 13's were just coming in.

Not going to rain on your parade but I would find another dealer.....especially if you are really thinking about trading in and getting another model.

Not sure what a custom order and new 2013 stock have to do with negotiating a price? Sure dealers want to sell their allocations but a custom order is no extra work for them. In fact it is considered an extra-bonus sale at the end of the year for them. These are not rare cars and just having come back from getting ours via PCD and visiting the factory, they crank these things out in no time at all.

Anyhow...back to regular programming and the OP's question.

My vote.....35i and load it up. It's the best way to outfit the X3 and life's too short not to have it the way you want.

I got 9% off MSRP plus college grad discount buying in stock X3 28i. Originally I was aiming for 7% to 8% off MSRP plus college grad for custom order. I think the deal I got was awesome. Most dealers I spoke to in southern california agreed with 6% off.

Yea I bought it from BMW of Vista, which is in San Diego area. I also had many email negotiation with dealers in LA area, I thought their price would be more competitive but they didn't satisfy me in emails. I do believe they would offer me better deal if I walk in. The dealer said I could get 9% off because I was there end of month.
My advice is, don't settle for anything less than 7% discount. Go to big dealership where they sell more cars and get more bonus and are able to sell cars to you at lower prices.

Wow, everyone is touting the 4-banger as being the fuel miser. My 35i is averaging 26.1 with 3K miles on the clock. Which is about 60% highway and 40% around town and mostly in Sport mode.....I am not kidding.

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LOL, at one dealership, the sales person was pushing the 28i's gas mileage and being a total jerk. I told him to turn around, see that bright RED pickup? I get 15 mpg avg. Let's not talk about fuel economy, but what I want to buy. I do care about mpg to a certain degree.

Yea I bought it from BMW of Vista, which is in San Diego area. I also had many email negotiation with dealers in LA area, I thought their price would be more competitive but they didn't satisfy me in emails. I do believe they would offer me better deal if I walk in. The dealer said I could get 9% off because I was there end of month.
My advice is, don't settle for anything less than 7% discount. Go to big dealership where they sell more cars and get more bonus and are able to sell cars to you at lower prices.

Do you know which one is considered big dealership in Southern CA? I went to the one in Alhambra and looks like they do have lots of X3 in stock.

I did talk to someone from New Century, if that's the dealership you are talking about. The internet salesman was offering me something like 5 to 6 % off, which I had no interest in. I went to a family owned BMW in San Diego, the place was dirty, bathroom looked like one from gas station, their best price was like 5% ( I know it was their best price because I told them I was ready to buy on that day and they still let me walked out.)

I am no expert. I guess it also requires some luck. If the dealer needs your business at the time when you come in, they try hard to please you.

Bring the "what others are paying" distribution graph with you to dealership. Ask if those 10% customers are getting 8% off MSRP, why can't they offer you that.